Action Launcher Explained

Action Launcher
Collapsible:true
Developer:Chris Lacy
Released:2012
Latest Release Version:50.7 (December 2023)
Operating System:Android 5.0 and newer
Platform:Android
Genre:Application launcher
License:Proprietary
Website:https://actionlauncher.com/

Action Launcher is an application launcher mobile app for Android developed by Chris Lacy under the Australian company "Action Launcher Pty. Ltd." (formerly "Digital Ashes").[1] Like other Android launcher apps, the program adds a graphical layer on top of the operating system's default application launcher to provide the user with an alternate way of navigating through the operating system, often adding features that the default launcher lacks.

Timeline of notable features

Action Launcher was first released in 2012.[2]

In 2013, a "1.5" version of the app was released supporting 10-inch tablets and included features that allowed users to quickly access areas of the interface using touch gestures.[3] These features were expanded in the successive "2.0" release.[4]

In 2014, a new version of the launcher was released as "Action Launcher 3", updating "Action Launcher 2". This update added a way to quickly take the main colors of the user's chosen wallpaper and apply them to other elements of the interface, such as widgets.[5] It also restyled the app to follow Material Design guidelines.[6] The app was also split into multiple versions: a free version dubbed "Action Launcher 3", and a paid version called "Action Launcher 2", the latter available via purchase of a separate app called "Action Launcher Pro." Users reported finding this pricing scheme confusing.[7]

In 2016, functionality was added that lets users access an app's key functions directly from the app icon on a home screen.[8]

In 2017, the app was renamed from "Action Launcher 3" to simply "Action Launcher",[9] and integration with Google Feed (formerly Google Now) was added. This required a separate plugin to be sideloaded. The same update added the ability to see unread notifications on app tiles.[10]

In 2019, the launcher added additional support for theming, including dark mode.[11] Another update the same year added support for Android 10's new gesture navigation. It also improved upon a feature called ActionDash, an alternative to Google's Digital Wellbeing.[12]

In 2022, v50 was released. This update mirrored some features of Google's Pixel Launcher, with a focus on more support for freemium users. Lacy said of the motivation for the update, "Action Launcher’s freemium implementation has historically been terrible. It was far too aggressive in pushing people to purchase the Plus upgrade, which turned a great many people off, and the app was barely usable for nonpaying customers."[13]

Reception

Action Launcher has been cited by Android media outlets as an alternate launcher available to Android users.[14] [15] [16] [17] As of 2019, it had over 5 million downloads.[18]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: ACTION LAUNCHER PTY LTD - Australia Company . 2023-12-12 . australia-corp.com.
  2. Web site: Action Launcher Pro: nieuwe snelle launcher voor Android . 2023-12-10 . Android Planet . nl-NL.
  3. Web site: 2013-03-28 . Action Launcher Pro version 1.5 puts Android widgets just a swipe away (video) . 2023-12-10 . Engadget . en-US.
  4. Web site: 2013-12-05 . Action Launcher's custom Android interface gets quick-access home screen and KitKat tweaks . 2023-12-10 . Engadget . en-US.
  5. Web site: 2014-12-12 . Redesigned Action Launcher 3 brings Material Design and Quickthemes as a new launcher . 2023-12-10 . Android Authority . en.
  6. Web site: Torres . Juan Carlos . 2014-12-12 . Action Launcher 3 launches with new Quicktheme feature . 2023-12-10 . Android Community . en-US.
  7. Web site: Hoff . John . 2014-12-08 . Action Launcher 3.0 is coming as a paid upgrade . 2023-12-10 . Android Community . en-US.
  8. Web site: R . Ben . 2016-10-01 . Action Launcher 3 adds several Android 7.1 Nougat / Pixel Launcher features . 2023-12-10 . PhoneArena . en-US.
  9. Web site: Diaz . Justin . 2017-06-23 . Action Launcher 3 Gets Renamed, Adds New Features & Fixes . 2023-12-10 . Android Headlines . en-US.
  10. Web site: Schoon . Ben . 2017-07-28 . Action Launcher updated with Google Feed integration and Android O features . 9to5Google.
  11. Web site: 2019-07-26 . Action Launcher finally offers theme support, including dark theme . 2023-12-10 . Android Authority . en.
  12. Web site: 2019-12-21 . Action Launcher now supports Android 10 gesture navigation . 2023-12-10 . Android Authority . en.
  13. Web site: Romero . Andrew . June 24, 2022 . Action Launcher tears down its paywall, with more features now available to free users . 9to5Google.
  14. Web site: Baker . Ron . 2023-03-18 . The Best Launchers To Change Your Android Phone For The Better . 2023-12-10 . SlashGear . en-US.
  15. Web site: The 7 Best Android Launchers of 2023 . 2023-12-10 . Lifewire . en.
  16. Web site: Wilde . Damien . 2023-04-19 . The best Android launchers to use with your smartphone in 2023 [Video] ]. 9to5Google.
  17. Web site: Raphael . J. R. . 2017-05-11 . The quiet power of Android's custom launchers . 2023-12-10 . Computerworld . en.
  18. Web site: Wilde . Damien . April 29, 2019 . Action Launcher v40 overhaul includes new ad-supported Action Search, brand new app icon, more . 9to5Google.